Individual lodges derive from a
single Grand Lodge and are responsible thereto, but Grand Lodges
themselves are supreme and irresponsible. It will be known also that the
Masonic system in England differs from that of France, that the French
rite has always occupied a somewhat heterodox position, and that since
the Grand Orient expunged the Grand Architect of the Universe, so to
speak, from its symbolism, official communication has been suspended by
the Grand Lodge of England. It will be known further that outside
recognised Masonic systems many rites have arisen which are only Masonic
to the extent that their point of departure is from the Master-grade. As
a special instance may be cited the Supreme Oriental Rite of Memphis and
Misraim. In England the Lodge meetings of these rites are never suffered
to take place in the great central institution of Freemasons Hall; in
France, the Grand Orient has consistently forbidden its members to
participate in the Memphis system. To hold Masonry responsible for
irregularities or abuses which from time to time may obtain in these
fantastic developments from the parent institution, would be about as
just and reasonable as to impeach the Latin Church on the score of
corruptions now existing in the heresies which have separated from her.

Having established these points in view of the result of our inquiry,
let us now trace the manner in which a supreme authority, frequently
termed by the accusers Universal Masonry, is alleged to have grown up.
Upon this subject not only the most complete information but the only
formal narratives are provided by the later witnesses, so that the
following account, while in no sense translation, is based exclusively
upon the works of Domenico Margiotta and Dr Bataille.

On the 20th of May, 1737, there was constituted in France the Order of
the Palladium, or Sovereign Council of Wisdom, which, after the manner
of the androgyne lodges then springing into existence, initiated women
under the title of Companions of Penelope. The ritual of this order was
published by the Masonic archaeologist Ragon, so that there can be no
doubt of its existence. At the same time, so far as I am aware, there
are few materials forthcoming for its history. In some way which
remains wholly untraceable this order is inferred to have been connected
by more than its name with the legendary Palladium of the Knights
Templars, well known under the title of Baphomet. In any case it f